Place beets, potatoes and water in a saucepan and cook until everything is tender (save the water)

Begin cooking the onions in the butter in a large kettle. Add caraway seeds and salt. Cook until onion is translucent then add celery, carrots and cabbage.

Add water from beets and potatoes and cook covered until all vegetables are tender.

Add potatoes , beets and all remaining ingredients.

Cover and simmer slowly for at least 30 minutes.